Comparing SpO2 targets and oximeters during high-flow nasal oxygen

Comparison of Two SpO2 Targets With Two Different Oximeters - Impact on FiO2 During Nasal High Flow Oxygen Therapy

Not applicable Interventional Laval University · NCT07168213

This study tests whether two different pulse oximeters (Nonin and Philips) and two SpO2 targets (90% vs 94%) change the amount of oxygen (FiO2) set for adults in the ICU receiving high-flow nasal oxygen.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLaval University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Québec, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT07168213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial compares two commercial pulse oximeters (Nonin and Philips) and two SpO2 targets (90% and 94%) to see how they affect the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) set during high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. Each enrolled patient undergoes four randomized 10-minute periods covering every oximeter-target combination while clinicians manually titrate FiO2 to the displayed SpO2. Arterial blood gas is collected at the end of each period to measure actual oxygenation. The study is conducted in adult ICU patients who already have an arterial catheter and are receiving high-flow nasal oxygen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) admitted to the ICU who are on high-flow nasal oxygen, have an arterial catheter, and have SpO2 between 88% and 100% with FiO2 between 40% and 80% fit this study.

Not a fit: Patients without an arterial catheter, without a usable SpO2 signal, with significant methemoglobinemia, in isolation, or expected to need NIV or mechanical ventilation within two hours are unlikely to participate or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose oximeters and SpO2 targets that avoid unnecessary over- or under-oxygenation and improve safe oxygen dosing.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that oximeter brand and skin pigmentation can change SpO2 readings, but the downstream effect of those differences on FiO2 settings during high-flow nasal oxygen is not well studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years of age
* Admiitted in intensive care unit
* Presence of an arterial catheter
* Ongoing on high flow nasal oxygen therapy with SpO2 between 88 and 100% with a FiO2 between 40 and 80% with the usual oximeter .

Exclusion Criteria:

* No SpO2 signal with oximeter in use
* False nails or nail polish
* Methemoglobinemia \>0.015 on last available arterial gas
* Patient in isolation (multi-resistant bacteria, C-Difficile, SARS-CoV-2 ...)
* Expected to use another respiratory support within two hour of inclusion (NIV or mechanical ventilation)

Where this trial is running

Québec, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oxygen DeliveryAcute Respiratory FailureHigh Flow Oxygen TherapyHypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.